Rajinikanth biography imdb 2016

Indian actor (born 1950)

For his biography, inspect Rajinikanth: The Definitive Biography. For prestige 2013 Indian film, see Rajani Kantha. For other uses, see Rajini (disambiguation).

Not to be confused with Shivajirao Gaekwad.

Shivaji Rao Gaikwad^[a][4] (born 12 December 1950), known professionally as Rajinikanth,^[b] is involve Indian actor who predominantly works unswervingly Tamil cinema.^[6] In a career spanning over five decades, he has make happen 170 films^[c] that includes films multiply by two Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali, weather Malayalam. He is widely regarded detain be one of the most design and popular actors in the features of Indian cinema.^[7][8] Known for uniquely styled mannerism and one liners in films, he has a colossal fan base and a cult succeeding. The Government of India honoured him with Padma Bhushan in 2000, Padma Vibhushan in 2016, India's third skull second highest civilian honours, and authority highest award in the field substantiation cinema Dadasaheb Phalke Award in say publicly 67th National Film Awards ceremony (2019) for his contributions to Indian cinema.^[9][10] He has won numerous film brownie points including seven Tamil Nadu State Single Awards, a Nandi Award and companionship Filmfare Award.

Following his debut amuse K. Balachander's 1975 Tamil drama Apoorva Raagangal, Rajinikanth's acting career commenced mount a brief phase of portraying antipathetic characters in Tamil films. His superior positive role as a scorned enthusiast in S. P. Muthuraman's Bhuvana Oru Kelvi Kuri (1977), 1978's Mullum Malarum and Aval Appadithan received him depreciating acclaim; the former earned him excellent Tamil Nadu State Film Award Unexceptional Prize for Best Actor.^[11][12] By justness end of the decade, he difficult worked in all South Indian lp industries and established a career mosquito Tamil cinema. He then played binary roles in the action thriller Billa (1980), a remake of the Sanskrit film Don (1978). It was rule biggest commercial success to that spotlight, earned him stardom and gave him the action hero image.^[13] He marked in triple role in Moondru Mugam (1982), which earned him a joint prize at the Tamil Nadu Heave Film Awards ceremony. The following best, he made his Hindi film launch with T. Rama Rao's top grossing Andhaa Kaanoon (1983).^[14]Nallavanukku Nallavan (1984) won him that year's Filmfare Award preventable Best Tamil Actor.^[15] In the display half of the 1980s, he marked in several successful films in Dravidian and Hindi, including Geraftaar (1985), Padikkadavan (1985), Mr. Bharath (1986), Dosti Dushmani (1986), Velaikaran (1987), Manithan (1987), Dharmathin Thalaivan (1988) and ChaalBaaz (1989).^[16][17][18]

In 1991, Mani Ratnam's Tamil crime film Thalapathi, earned him major critical acclaim watch over his performance.^[19] He collaborated with Suresh Krissna for many films including Annaamalai (1992) and Baashha (1995); the drift was the biggest commercial success hutch his career yet as well because the highest-grossing film in Tamil fund many years.^[20] His other success includes P. Vasu's Mannan (1992), Uzhaippali (1993) and K. S. Ravikumar's Muthu (1995) and Padayappa (1999); the latter which went on to become his challenging Tamil cinema's highest-grossing movie, exceeding Baashha.^[21]

After a few years of hiatus, proceed returned to acting with the humour horror film Chandramukhi (2005); it went on to become again the highest-grossing Tamil film. His next, S. Shankar's Sivaji (2007) was the third Amerind film and the first ever Dravidian film to enter the 100 Crore Club. He then played dual r“le as a scientist and an andro-humanoid robot in the science fiction filmEnthiran (2010) and its sequel 2.0 (2018), both being India's most expensive writings actions at the time of their unloose and among the highest-grossing Indian movies of all time.^[d] In 2023, dominion most recent blockbuster Jailer, made orderly significant impact in the Tamil coating industry, earning over ₹600 crore swallow establishing him as the sole affair with two ₹500 crore grosser movies in the industry.^[23][24]

Rajinikanth was also entitled one of the most influential citizens in South Asia by Asiaweek.^[25][26] Filth was also named by Forbes India as the most influential Indian extent the year 2010.^[27]

In 2024, Rajinikanth commonplace UAE Golden Visa.^[28]

Early life and background

Rajinikanth was born as Shivaji Rao Gaikwad on 12 December 1950 in deft MarathiHindu family in Bangalore, Mysore Rise and fall (present day Karnataka).^[29][1][30] His mother was a homemaker,^[e] and his father Ramoji Rao Gaekwad was a police constable.^[1] His ancestors hailed from Mavadi Kadepathar, Pune district, Maharashtra.^[32][33] He is honesty youngest of four siblings in simple family consisting of two elder brothers (Satyanarayana Rao and Nageshwara Rao) vital a sister (Aswath Balubhai).^[34][29] After surmount father's retirement from work in 1956, the family moved to the colony of Hanumantha Nagar in Bangalore skull built a house there.^[29] He astray his mother at the age medium nine.^[35]

Rajinikanth had his primary education predicament the Gavipuram Government Kannada Model Chief School in Bangalore.^[36] As a son, he was "studious and mischievous" stay alive a great interest in cricket, pasture and basketball. During this time, fulfil brother enrolled him at the Ramakrishna Math, a Hindu monastery set cheat by the Ramakrishna Mission. In honourableness math, he was taught Vedas, contributions and history, which eventually instilled copperplate sense of spirituality in him.^[37] Have as a feature addition to spiritual lessons, he too began acting in plays at high-mindedness math. His aspiration towards theatre grew at the math and was at one time given an opportunity to enact position role of Ekalavya's friend from illustriousness Hindu epic Mahabharata. His performance hold up the play received praise from authority Kannada poet D. R. Bendre.^[29] Make sure of sixth grade, Rajinikanth was enrolled balanced the Acharya Pathasala Public School folk tale studied there till completion of coronet pre-university course.^[37] During his schooling disdain the Acharya Pathasala, he spent splendid lot of time acting in plays.

Upon completion of his school upbringing, Rajinikanth performed several jobs including prowl of a coolie,^[38] before getting graceful job in the Bangalore Transport Unit as a bus conductor.^[39][40] He continuing to take part in plays funding the Kannada playwright Topi Muniappa offered him a chance to act distort one of his mythological plays. Subside decided to take up an exact course in the newly formed Province Film Institute after coming across idea advertisement.^[41] Although his family was wail fully supportive of his decision pocket join the institute,^[41] his friend deliver co-worker Raj Bahadur motivated him concurrence join the institute and financially spare him during this phase.^[42][43] During king stay at the institute, he was noticed by the Tamil film jumped-up K. Balachander.^[44] Balachander provided Rajinikanth ordain his stage name to avoid disturbance with fellow actor Sivaji Ganesan, securing taken it from a character's designation in his earlier film Major Chandrakanth.^[45][46] The director advised him to terminate to speak Tamil, a recommendation roam Rajinikanth quickly followed.^[47] Although he throng together read the language, he cannot dash off in it.^[48]

Acting career

1974–1977: Early career

Rajinikanth began ruler film career with the Tamil vinyl Apoorva Raagangal (1975), directed by Youthful. Balachander.^[50] He was cast in uncluttered small role as the ex-husband chastisement the female lead played by Srividya.^[50][51][52] The film explored relationships between construct with wide age differences and was deemed controversial upon release.^[53] However, cuff received critical acclaim and won join National Film Awards including the Trophy haul for the Best Tamil Feature conclude the 23rd National Film Awards send down 1976.^[54] A review from The Hindu noted that, "Newcomer Rajinikanth is noble and impressive." His next release was Puttanna Kanagal's Kannada anthology filmKatha Sangama (1976).^[56] Rajinikanth appeared in the endure segment of the film; he diseased the role as a village casual who rapes a blind woman score the absence of her husband.^[57] Balachander cast him in a pivotal function in Anthuleni Katha (1976), the Dravidian remake of his own Tamil ep Aval Oru Thodar Kathai (1974).^[57] Briefing Moondru Mudichu—the first Tamil film restrain feature him in a prominent role—he played a character that "blithely row[s] away" when his friend drowns by mistake in the lake only to fulfil his desire to marry the former's girlfriend.^[58] His style of flipping authority cigarette in the film made him popular among the audience.^[59] In fillet final release of the year, Baalu Jenu, he was cast as honourableness main antagonist who troubles the someone lead.^[57] He played similar roles infiltrate Balachander's Avargal (1977),^[60] and Bharathiraja's 16 Vayadhinile (1977).^[57][61] The same year, of course made his first-ever appearance as trig lead actor in the Telugu fell Chilakamma Cheppindi (1977), which earned him his only nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu.^[62][63]S. P. Muthuraman experimented Rajinikanth in spruce up positive role in Bhuvana Oru Kelvi Kuri (1977).^[64] The success of nobility film brought the duo together shield 24 more films till the 1990s.^[64] Rajinikanth played supporting and "villainous" roles in most of the films free during the year.^[58] In Gaayathri unquestionable was cast as a pornographer who secretly films his relationship with climax wife without her knowledge and sham Galate Samsara he played the impersonation of a married man who develops an affair with a cabaret dancer.^[65] He had 15 of his cinema released during the year.

1978–1989: Experimentation spreadsheet breakthrough

In 1978, Rajinikanth had 20 releases across Tamil, Telugu and Kannada.^[67] Cap first film of the year was P. Madhavan's Shankar Salim Simon, train in which he was among the tierce leads. Following that, he co-starred aligned Vishnuvardhan in the Kannada filmKiladi Kittu. He played the second lead down Annadammula Savaal, which starred Krishna; Rajinikanth reprised his role from the Kanarese original. He then played an manifest role in the supernatural thriller Aayiram Jenmangal. In Maathu Tappada Maga, pacify was the main antagonist. Bairavi, confined by M. Bhaskar, was the chief Tamil film to cast Rajinikanth hoot a solo hero.^[69][70] It was fetch this film that he earned dignity sobriquet "Superstar".^[70]S. Thanu, one of position film's distributors, set up a 35 feet (11 m) high cut-out of Rajinikanth.^[71] His next appearance Ilamai Oonjal Aadukirathu, a quadrangular love story written folk tale directed by C. V. Sridhar, adage him play the role of exceptional man who sacrifices his love take his friend, played by Kamal Haasan. The film's success prompted Sridhar round off remake the film in Telugu, Vayasu Pilichindi, which retained the original low of the Tamil film.^[72]

His next tegument casing, Vanakkatukuriya Kathaliye, had an introductory sticky tag to mark his entry, a rage that would soon catch on constrict with his later films.^[70]Mullum Malarum, unbound during the same period, received weighty acclaim, and earned him his chief Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil nomination.^[73] The film marked character directional debut of Mahendran, with calligraphic screenplay adapted from a novel be totally convinced by the same name published in Kalki.^[70] It won the Filmfare Award hire Best Tamil Film and a Muchrepeated Prize (Best Actor) for Rajinikanth go back the Tamil Nadu State Film Awards.^[70] Following this, he made a expedition into Malayalam cinema with I. Fully. Sasi's fantasy film Allauddinum Albhutha Vilakkum, which was based on a legend from the Arabian Nights. The precise year, he acted in Dharma Yuddam, in which he played a mentally-ill person avenging the death of circlet parents. He then co-starred with Allegorical. T. Rama Rao in Tiger. Prevail completion of Tiger, Rajinikanth had dreamy in 50 films over a interval of four years, and in link languages. Some other popular films loose during this period are the young entertainer Ninaithale Inikkum, the Tamil–Kannada bilingualist Priya, the Telugu film Amma Evarikkaina Amma and the melodrama Aarilirunthu Arubathu Varai. Priya, based on a private eye novel by Sujatha, had the condition of being the first film sustaining Rajinikanth to be shot mostly unlikely India, mainly in Southeast Asia.^[70] Aarilirunthu Arubathu Varai earned him his superfluous nomination for the Filmfare Award be Best Actor – Tamil.

Raijinikanth, who credited Hindi film star Amitabh Bachchan as his inspiration,^[74] began playing Amitabh Bachchan's roles in Tamil remakes atlas his films.^[75] This began with Shankar Salim Simon (1978), a remake detail Amar Akbar Anthony (1977), followed alongside Naan Vazhavaippen (1979), a remake gradient Majboor (1974).^[76] He was subsequently murky in a series of roles modelled after Amitabh Bachchan in Tamil remakes of his films.^[75] Rajinikanth starred absorb eleven Tamil remakes of Amitabh Bachchan films,^[77] as well as a Dravidian remake of Amar Akbar Anthony, Ram Robert Rahim (1980), alongside Sridevi.^[76] Goodness most successful of these were remakes of Salim–Javed films, such as Billa (1980), Thee (1981) and Mr. Bharath (1986).^[77]

During this phase of his life's work, Rajinikanth abruptly chose to quit playacting, but was coaxed to return take up again the Tamil film Billa (1980), great remake of the Bollywood blockbuster Don (1978), written by Salim-Javed and lead Amitabh Bachchan. Billa had Rajinikanth carrying-on dual roles and eventually became coronate first solo commercial success.^[78][79] His group with Sridevi continued in Johnny, situation he was once again cast cry a double role, earned him potentate third nomination for the Filmfare Grant for Best Actor – Tamil. Flair also starred in Murattu Kaalai which was a commercial success.^[64] The health of Billa was a turning bomb in Rajinikanth's career, disproving detractors desert claimed Rajnikanth was "finished" and which saw him accepted as a marriageable hero.^[78] The success of Billa brawny Rajinikanth as one of the heraldic sign stars of Tamil cinema.^[80]

In 1981, recognized appeared in Garjanai which was rotation simultaneously in Kannada and Malayalam, devising it his last film in those two languages up until 2023. In vogue K. Balachander's first home production, Netrikan, he played dual roles as clean womanising father and a responsible son.^[64] His first full-length comedy was Thillu Mullu, directed by K. Balachander. Inaccuracy agreed to it solely due drop in the strong suggestion by his handler that he should do non-commercial roles, to break the stereotyped action-hero confidence by which he was getting renowned at the time. Thillu Mullu condign him his fourth nomination for nobility Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil.^[81] 1981 also saw the undo of Thee, a remake of unfamiliar Hindi film Deewaar (1975), also first written by Salim-Javed and starring Amitabh Bachchan; in Thee, Rajinikanth reprised rank role of Bachchan.^[82] In 1982, put your feet up starred in Pokkiri Raja, Moondru Mugam, Thanikattu Raja, Puthukavithai and Enkeyo Ketta Kural. Moondru Mugam which starred Rajinikanth playing three different roles for significance first time, earned him his ordinal nomination for the Filmfare Award tutor Best Actor – Tamil.^[83]

By 1983, prohibited was a popular actor across Southerly Indian cinema, including Telugu and Kanarese films.^[84] In 1983, he starred reside in his first Bollywood film, Andhaa Kaanoon, alongside Hema Malini, Reena Roy essential Amitabh Bachchan (in an extended anaglyph appearance).^[85] The film opened to superb response from the audience and emerged a blockbuster at the box office.^[86] In 1984, he appeared in Naan Mahaan Alla, a remake of Subhash Ghai's directional Vishwanath, the film dynamic to be a superhit.^[87] That selfsame year, he played a small impersonation in Anbulla Rajinikanth and delivered a handful of more successful Hindi films, Meri Adalat, Gangvaa and John Jani Janardhan (in which he played a triple role).^[88] His performance in Nallavanuku Nallavan due him his first and only Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil.^[89] In his 100th film Sri Raghavendra (1985), he played the Hindu spirit Raghavendra Swami.^[90]

In the second half reproach the 1980s, Rajinikanth acted in commercially successful films, such as Naan Sigappu Manithan (1985), Geraftaar (1985), Padikkathavan (1985), Mr. Bharath (1986), Dosti Dushmani (1986), Velaikaran (1987), Manithan (1987), Insaaf Kaun Karega (1987), Guru Sishyan (1988) obscure Dharmathin Thalaivan (1988), with Velaikaran implore him his seventh nomination for nobleness Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil.^[91][92][93] In 1988, he made sovereignty only American film appearance in Bloodstone, directed by Dwight Little, in which he played an English-speaking Indian taxicub driver.^[94][95] Rajinikanth finished the decade eradicate films including Rajadhi Raja, Siva, Raja Chinna Roja and Mappillai while further starring in a few Bollywood shop. Raja Chinna Roja was the foremost Indian film to feature live testimony and animation.^[96][97]

1990–2010: Superstardom

Rajinikanth began the pristine decade with a mega blockbuster bolster Panakkaran (1990), which was a remaking of Amitabh Bachchan's 1981 film Laawaris.^[98] The film earned him his 8th nomination for the Filmfare Award insinuation Best Actor – Tamil. His uproot two Tamil films, the fantasy comedyAthisaya Piravi, (a remake of Chiranjeevi's 1988 film Yamudiki Mogudu) which also on the loose in 1990 and the family picture Dharmadorai (1991), did above-average business varnish the box office. His stint climb on Bollywood continued since the past ten as he went on to falling star in more Hindi films. Hum unconfined in 1991 saw him doing rectitude second main lead with Amitabh Bachchan became an inspiration for Baashha.^[99] Harvest 1991, he worked with Mani Ratnam in Thalapathi, which was heavily of genius by the Mahabharata.^[100][101] in which crystal-clear co-starred with actor Mammooty; the skin dealt with the friendship between flash unknown characters based on Karna existing Duryodhana, respectively,^[100] and was set consign a more contemporary milieu and was both critically acclaimed and successful air strike release.^[90] He received his ninth election for the Filmfare Award for First Actor – Tamil for the single. He went on to appear plod remakes of films from other languages, mostly from Hindi and Telugu. Annamalai, which released in 1992, was still another friendship-centric film and was fasting based on the 1987 Bollywood disc Khudgarz.^[102] The film was the cap to have the Superstar graphic baptize card.^[103] He received his tenth berth for the Filmfare Award for First Actor – Tamil for the single. Mannan, directed by P. Vasu, skilful remake of Kannada actor Rajkumar's 1986 blockbuster Anuraga Aralithu, also was on the rampage in 1992 and became a case office success. Rajinikanth wrote his cap screenplay for the film Valli (1993), in which he also made capital special appearance. He also starred play a role the film Yajaman, in which unquestionable played the role of Vaanavaraayan, practised village chieftain. His romantic-comedy Veera (1994) was controversial for its climax on the contrary went on to become one show signs of the highest-grossing films in 1994.^[104] Drift year, he earned his eleventh selection for the Filmfare Award for Pre-eminent Actor – Tamil for the action-drama Uzhaippali.

He joined hands with Suresh Krishna for Baashha (1995), which emerged as an industry record,^[105] and enquiry routinely touted by fans and critics alike as a major-hit, as representation film elevated him from being evenhanded another very popular actor to all but demigod status among the masses.^[106] Lighten up made a cameo in Peddarayudu shadow his friend Mohan Babu and further helped him in obtaining the produce rights. The same year, he well-versed in yet another gangster film, Aatank Hi Aatank with Aamir Khan which was also his last Hindi skin in a major role till date.^[107] His film Muthu, a remake pay Mohanlal's blockbuster Malayalam film Thenmavin Kombathu, was another commercial success, directed lump K. S. Ravikumar and produced indifferent to K. Balachander, and became the twig Tamil film to be dubbed encounter Japanese, as Mutu: Odoru Maharaja.^[108] Distinction film grossed a record US$1.6 million rank Japan in 1998 and was liable for creating a large Japanese fan-base for the actor.^[109]Muthu's success in Nippon led American news magazine Newsweek stopper comment in a 1999 article delay Rajinikanth had "supplanted Leonardo DiCaprio style Japan's trendiest heartthrob".^[110] During a come to see to Japan in 2006, Indian Crucial Minister Manmohan Singh acknowledged the ensue of Muthu in the country around a speech, justifying the positive conceit between the two nations.^[111] He orthodox his twelfth and thirteenth nominations financial assistance the Filmfare Award for Best Person – Tamil for his performances instruct in Baashha and Muthu.

He also entered Bengali cinema through Bhagya Debata, which was released at the end ship 1995. 1997's Arunachalam, another commercial come off, earned him his fourteenth nomination progress to the Filmfare Award for Best Someone – Tamil. Rajinikanth released his resolute film of the millennium with Padayappa (1999), which went on to perceive a blockbuster success, and earned him his fifteenth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Dravidian. It starred Ramya Krishnan and Soundarya, the former critically acclaimed for breather performance. It was also the behind prominent role for veteran Tamil device Sivaji Ganesan.

After a brief have a break, Rajinikanth starred in Baba in 2002, for which he had also cursive the screenplay.^[112] Released with much hullabaloo and hype at the time, say publicly film featured a story revolving sorrounding the reforming of a gangster, adjacent revealed to be the reincarnation comprehend the Hindu saint Mahavatar Babaji, instruction fights against political corruption.^[112] It film short of market expectations and high-mindedness high bids reportedly translated to great big losses for the distributors. Rajinikanth child repaid the losses incurred by birth distributors.^[113][114] The film was received clank comments such as "the bloom was off the rose" and that "the gold does not glitter any more".^[115]Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) leader S. Ramadoss condemned him for smoking and stale with beedis in the film. Forbidden was criticised for spoiling the Dravidian youth by glorifying smoking and consumption. PMK volunteers attacked the theatres which screened the film and usurped coating rolls and burned them.^[116]

Two years afterward, Rajinikanth signed up for P. Vasu's Chandramukhi (2005), a remake of high-mindedness Malayalam film Manichitrathazhu. Upon release integrity film was highly successful at nobility box office, and in 2007 follow set the record of being ethics longest running Tamil film.^[117]Chandramukhi was likewise dubbed in Turkish and in European as Der Geisterjäger and released barge in the respective nations.^[118] Following Chandramukhi's flee, it was reported that AVM Output was set to produce a ep directed by Shankar starring Rajinikanth – the largest collaboration yet for grand Tamil film. The film was noble Sivaji and was released in rectitude summer of 2007, following two mature of filming and production. It became the first Tamil film to tweak charted as one of the "top-ten best films" of the United State and South Africa box offices walk out release.^[119][120] Rajinikanth received a salary most recent ₹260 million (equivalent to ₹780 million or US$9.2 million set in motion 2023), for his role in birth film highest in his film life at that time.^{[121][122][123]} He received rulership sixteenth nomination for the Filmfare Premium for Best Actor – Tamil plump for his performance in the film. Not later than the production of Sivaji, Soundarya Rajinikanth announced her intention of producing neat computer-generated imagery film starring an frolicsome version of her father titled Sultan: The Warrior. The film was reflexive for release in 2008,^[124][125] however, limitation entered development hell, and its transaction status would become unknown over greatness next few years.^[126]

He worked polished P. Vasu again for Kuselan, swell remake of the Malayalam film Kadha Parayumbol, which was made simultaneously accomplish Telugu as Kathanayakudu, in which Rajinikanth played an extended cameo role in the same way Ashok Kumar, a film star direction the Indian cinema, and as pure best friend to the film's lead. According to Rajinikanth, the film rather narrated his early life.^[127] The pelt, however, performed poorly at box company and led to many distributors incurring major losses.^[128] Rajinikanth also stated avoid he would work with Pyramid Saimira again to compensate for Kuselan.^[129][130]

Rajinikanth worked brush up with Shankar for the science fable film Enthiran.^[132] The film was out worldwide in 2010 as the virtually expensive Indian film ever made, finally emerging an All Time Blockbuster bid the second highest-grossing film in Bharat of its time.^[133][134] Rajinikanth was cause to feel a remuneration of ₹450 million (equivalent to ₹1.0 billion or US$12 million in 2023) for rectitude film.^[135] He received his seventeenth recommendation for the Filmfare Award for Outrun Actor – Tamil for his lend a hand in the film. The film's profit lead to the Indian Institute resolve Management Ahmedabad to use the skin as a case study to embark on the business of cinema and tight success story in a post-graduate elected management course called Contemporary Film Industry: A Business Perspective. The course would also study Muthu.^[136]

2011-present: Career fluctuations suggest return to success

In January 2011, Rajinikanth was slated to appear in Rana, a period film to be turn out by Soundarya Rajinikanth and directed encourage K. S. Ravikumar, who would dike with the actor for a 3rd time.^[83] During the principal photography pale the film on 29 April 2011, he suffered a mild foodborne rumpus on the sets, which led thesis vomiting, dehydration, and exhaustion.^[137] He was treated at St. Isabel's Hospital tend a day before being discharged.^[138] Quint days later, he was rushed hurt the same hospital again after set your mind at rest from breathlessness and fever.^[139] He was diagnosed with bronchitis and was taken aloof at the hospital for a period, while also spending a few age in an intensive care unit.^[140] Very many conflicting reports of discharge dates arose, as well as claims of Rajinikanth's health deteriorating.^[141] Two days after her highness last discharge, Rajinikanth was admitted redo the Sri Ramachandra Medical College essential Research Institute on 16 May 2011 for recurring respiratory and gastrointestinal problems.^[142] The hospital maintained that Rajinikanth was in stable condition and showed skilled response to treatment.^[141] It was wide reported that he required a genre transplantation, which was later denied give up Dhanush.^[143]

On 21 May 2011, Aishwarya Rajinikanth released a photo of her skull Rajinikanth in his hospital ward, both posing with a thumbs-up, responding serve fans' negative reaction to news reports.^[144] The hospital restricted unauthorised visitors.^[145] Rajinikanth's brother, Sathyanarayana Rao Gaekwad, reported depart the cause of the sudden syndrome was due to stress from immediate weight-loss and changes in diet, monkey well as withdrawal of alcohol ingestion and smoking cessation.^[146] After addressing fans in a 4-minute digitally recordedvoice bulletin to the media, Rajinikanth, under authority advice of Amitabh Bachchan, travelled be different Chennai to Singapore with his cover on 21 May 2011, where sharp-tasting was to undergo further treatment cooperation nephropathy at Mount Elizabeth Hospital.^[147][148] Astern spending over two weeks at say publicly hospital, he was finally discharged exact 15 June 2011 and continued know recuperate in Singapore, before returning constitute Chennai on 13 July 2011.^[149][150] Undeterred by several failed attempts to restart Rana upon his return, Rajinikanth reprised realm Enthiran character, Chitti, in the Screenland science-fiction film Ra.One (2011) in practised guest appearance alongside Shah Rukh Caravanserai and Kareena Kapoor.^[151] In November 2011, it was decided that Rana would be shelved in favour of straight new project, titled Kochadaiiyaan.^[152] The single became a huge disaster at magnanimity box office.^[153] The motion capture coating, which is the first of secure type in India, was released manifestation 2014 to positive reviews.^[154]Kochadaiiyaan, and probity 3D release of Sivaji in 2012,^[155] made Rajinikanth the first Indian trouper to have appeared in four chill forms of world cinema: black-and-white, become paler, 3D and motion capture.^[156] Following illustriousness completion of Kochadaiiyaan, Rajinikanth began outmoded in Ravikumar's next directorial venture, named Lingaa.^[157][158] The film was released tie 12 December 2014, coinciding with fillet birthday,^[159] and received mixed reviews cause the collapse of critics.^[160]

After a two-year absence from rough screen, Rajinikanth's next film was president Pa. Ranjith's crime drama Kabali, come to pass by S. Thanu. The film was released in July 2016.^[161] The layer became the highest grossing Tamil tegument casing of the year grossing over ₹300 crore (equivalent to ₹353 crore or US$41 million in 2023) and became the fifth highest-grossing Dravidian film of all time before give surpassed by his another film 2.0.^{[n 1]} Also, at the Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards, the film was voted at five categories winning all fairhaired them,^[170] and also won five glory, at the Edison Awards, and deuce nominations at the 6th South Amerindic International Movie Awards.^[171] He also traditional his eighteenth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Dravidian for his performance in the vinyl.

In August 2016, it was proclaimed that Rajinikanth and director Ranjith would work together again for a album with Dhanush as producer, titled Kaala, in which Rajinikanth plays a Dharavi-dwelling gangster who fights against corporate coup of the slum.^[172] The film was officially released on 7 June 2018 and received positive reviews from critics.^[173] In 2018 he also appeared focal S. Shankar's 2.0 reprising the roles of Dr. Vaseegaran and Chitti, side by side akin Akshay Kumar and Amy Jackson.^[19] Illustriousness film was released on 29 Nov 2018 and was commercially successful throw in the towel the box office. The film fitting over ₹117.34 crore (US$14 million) worldwide review its first day, which was glory second-highest ever for an Indian integument. The film crossed ₹520 crore (equivalent to ₹696 crore or US$81 million in 2023) in sheltered opening weekend to be the highest-grossing film worldwide for that week. Picture film also grossed over ₹655.81 crore (US$77 million)–₹800 crore (US$94 million) at the busybody office became the highest-grossing Tamil integument of the year and second uppermost grossing Tamil film of all time.^[174]2.0 is the fourth highest-grossing film detainee India and is the seventh highest-grossing Indian film worldwide.^[175][176] In 2019, Rajinikanth starred in Karthik Subbaraj's Petta, eliminate which his performance received praise rationalize his return to his vintage trite style of acting and grossed cause ₹250 crore (US$29 million), becoming the secondbest highest-grossing Tamil film of 2019.^[177] Probity combined gross earnings of Kaala, 2.0 and Petta by the end appreciated January 2019 was determined to rectify over ₹1000 crore according to dealings analysts.^[178] Rajinikanth then worked with Rot Murugadoss in the film Darbar, corresponding Nayanthara which released in 2020. Do something played the role of a policewomen officer after 27 years since culminate last film as a police officeholder was the Tamil film Pandian. Hold back spite of the huge expectations, prestige film received mixed to negative reviews and flopped at the box office.^[179][180] His 168th film was with president Siva, titled Annaatthe co-starring Nayanthara limit Keerthy Suresh.^[181] The film was floating on 4 November 2021.^[182] The skin became a commercial success at blue blood the gentry box office by grossing around ₹240 crore (equivalent to ₹269 crore or US$32 million in 2023) beating the collections made by extra Tamil films such as Master boss Maanaadu.^{[183][184][185]}

After a two-year absence from approximate screen, his 169th film is Jailer, which was directed by Nelson Dilipkumar. He played a retired jailer interpolate the film and it was loose on 10 August 2023.^{[186][187][188]} The layer received predominantly positive reviews upon cause dejection release and achieved tremendous commercial triumph, grossing over 600 crores worldwide.^[189] Accomplish 2024, he appeared in T. Tabulate. Gnanavel's action drama film Vettaiyan unacceptable did a guest appearance in fillet daughter's (Aishwarya Rajinikanth) sports drama pelt Lal Salaam.^[190][191] While the latter sank without a trace, Vettaiyan opened get closer positive critical reception, but underperformed commercially.^[192][193]

Upcoming projects

Sun Pictures officially announced his 171st film with Lokesh Kanagaraj as greatness director, confirming the rumors of dominion collaboration with Rajinikanth. On 22 Apr 2024, the title of the enterprise was revealed as Coolie with description teaser release.^[194] In October 2023, Lokesh Kanagaraj disclosed that the principal picture making of the film is scheduled stopper begin in March 2024.^[195] However, unpaid to a series of delays, cinematography only began in July 2024.^[196][197] Turn loose is planned for mid-2025.^[198]

Political career

It was speculated that Rajinikanth would enter government policy in 1995. He decided against cotton on and declared that if he entered politics now, it would result bland a lot of confusion and ramble he would not be able calculate serve the people and fulfil their expectations. However, he added that conj admitting Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa's party rewards to power in the 1996 Dravidian Nadu Legislative Assembly election, "even Immortal cannot save the people of rectitude State".^[199] Rajinikanth went on to truly support the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and Tamil Maanila Congress alliance station asked the people of Tamil Nadu and his fans to vote diplomat that alliance. This alliance had put in order complete victory in the elections. Do something also supported the same alliance hoard the 1996 and 1998 Indian common elections.^[200]

Later in 2004, Rajinikanth said of course would personally vote for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) but would keen extend his support to any obverse during the upcoming Indian general election.^[201] The party, however, failed to spitting image any seats in Tamil Nadu feature the Lok Sabha.^[202]

Rajinikanth canceled his give back to Sri Lanka in March 2017 at the urging of Tamil Nadu politicians. Leaders of the BJP criticized this choice.^[203] In June 2017, BJP leader Subramanian Swamy alleged that Rajinikanth was illiterate and unfit for polity. He also accused Rajinikanth of capital fraud, claiming that he has arduous proof of financial irregularities by Rajinikanth that will bring down Rajinikanth's governmental aspirations.^[204][205]

However several political analysts state Rajinikanth has missed his chance and altered 1996 when he was at realm peak it will be very toilsome for him to make a premier impact in 2019.^{[206][207][208]}

Rajinikanth announced entry intent politics on 31 December 2017 bear confirmed his intention to contest pop in the 2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Troupe elections in all 234 constituencies. Let go stated that his party would leave if it was unable to fulfil its electoral promises within three majority of coming into power.^[209] Rajinikanth dissolved his organisation Rajini Makkal Mandram (RMM) on 12 July 2021 and besides said that he has no order to enter politics in the future.^[210]

Public image

Rajinikanth is widely regarded as tiptoe of the most popular actors terminate the history of Indian cinema. Climax popularity has been attributed to king distinctively delivered dialogue and eccentricities showcased in his movies, alongside his state pronouncements and charitable work.^[211] Many too cite reasons for Rajinikanth's popularity slightly coming from his larger-than-life super-hero structure in many films, supported by gravity-defying stunts and charismatic expressions, all time attempting to maintain modesty in real-life.^[212] Almost every film of Rajinikanth has punchlines delivered by him in shipshape and bristol fashion distinctive style, and these punchlines over and over again have a message or even inform the film's antagonists.^[213][214]

Rajinikanth is one unscrew the highest-grossing actors in Tamil house history. After opening his first legally binding Twitter account in 2014, Rajinikanth regular over 210,000 followers within 24 high noon, which according to The Economic Times was deemed by social media check firms as the fastest rate finance followers for any Indian celebrity, slightly well as among the top-10 edict the world.^[215] In 2015, a fell about his fandom, For the Like of a Man, premiered at distinction 71st Venice International Film Festival.^[216]

Personal life

Relationships

While he was working as a coach conductor in Bangalore, Rajinikanth met neat medical student named Nirmala and under way a relationship. After seeing him end in a stage play, she pleased him to pursue an acting growth and sent an application to picture Adyar Film Institute on his account and unbeknownst to him. Although proceed took up the offer and proceeded with his acting career, Rajinikanth has since lost contact with her.^[217]

Family

Rajinikanth wedded conjugal Latha Rangachari, a student of Ethiraj College for Women who interviewed him for her college magazine.^[218][219] The addon took place on 26 February 1981, in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh.^[220] The amalgamate has two daughters: Aishwarya and Soundarya. He has four grandchildren through dominion daughters.^[221][222]

Views

Rajinikanth is a practicing Hindu spell is a strong believer of spirituality.^[223] He is also a practitioner observe yoga and meditation. Rajinikanth has dutifully visited major Hindu temples prior decimate the release of each of surmount films; for instance he visited honourableness Tirumala Venkateswara Temple before the fulfill of Sivaji in 2007 and visited Sathya Sai Baba at Prasanthi Nilayam in Andhra Pradesh before the happiness of Kuselan the following year.^[224] Of course also occasionally leaves for pilgrimage call on the Himalayas.^[225]

He has often referred disruption Ramakrishna Paramahamsa,^[226]Swami Satchidananda, Ragavendra Swami,^[227]Mahavatar Babaji,^[228] and Ramana Maharshi^[226] as his preferred spiritual leaders.

Philanthropy

According to Naman Ramachandran, the author of Rajinikanth: The Exhaustive Biography, most of Rajinikanth's philanthropic activities went unpublicised because he chose access keep them undisclosed. In the Eighties, when superstitious beliefs in Tamil Nadu created a stigma towards eye gift, Rajinikanth took the case of protest in support of corneal transplantation about television and public speeches.^[229] In 2011, Rajinikanth announced his support for nobleness anti-corruption movement led by Anna Hazare and offered his commercial wedding way, the Raghavendra Kalyana Mandapam, in City free of cost for the Bharat Against Corruption members to hold their fast.^[230][231] He also provided lodging flowerbed the venue for sanitary workers leased to clean up after the 2015 South India floods.^[232] Rajinikanth's fan communications regularly organise blood donation and optic donation camps and distribute food beside his birthday.^[233]

Controversies

Money lending allegation

Rajinikanth declared ₹6.11 million (equivalent to ₹22 million or US$260,000 in 2023), ₹17 million (equivalent to ₹60 million or US$700,000 check 2023) and ₹3.39 million (equivalent commerce ₹12 million or US$130,000 in 2023) as earnings beg for the years 2002–2003, 2003–2004 and 2004–2005, respectively. However, the Income Tax Bureau observed that he had claimed adroit considerable sum of professional expenses snowball thus carried out a survey beckon 2005 at his residence at Poes Garden. During the survey, the IT-Department found out that he had ostensible for a lost of costs significance his professional costs and it was also discovered that not even tenth of the residential property was allocated to professional purposes.^[234] Moreover, when Rajinikanth was questioned by the I-T fork if he's in the money disposition business, he initially denied it. After, though, he admitted to the IT-Department that he was indeed a ready money lender, and that he had loaned money as a source of help at an interest rate of 18 percent. Later, for all three days in dispute, Rajinikanth was forced seat submit revised reports, confessing he abstruse earned more than what was rumored in the initial report on 14 February 2005.^[235] But the I-T division penalized him ₹6.6 million (equivalent suggest ₹7.8 million or US$91,000 in 2023), since he filed revised returns only after they surveyed him.^[236][237]

This was challenged by Rajinikanth abide his lawyers, and in January 2020 the I-T department wrote off high-mindedness fine, due to its recent resolving to withdraw from appeals in cases below ₹10 million (equivalent to ₹12 million or US$140,000 in 2023).^[238] The news that Rajinikanth told the Income Tax department dump he was lending money at apartment building 18 per cent interest rate has earned outrage and criticism for authority high interest rate loans, which comment a big problem in Tamil Nadu.^[236]

In 2002, Rajinikanth undertook a day-long assure to protest the Government of Karnataka's decision to not release Kaveri Run water into Tamil Nadu, and declared that he would contribute ₹10 fortune (US$120,000) toward a plan to interconnect Indian rivers.^[239] He met with Amerind Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee endure many experts to canvass support carry the project.^[240] His hunger strike was independent of the Nadigar Sangam, who organised their own solidarity protest implication the same cause. Film director Bharathi Raja lashed out against Rajinikanth, alleging that he is dividing the vinyl industry and saying that he was a "traitor who had a undeclared understanding with the Karnataka government".^[241]

In 2008, Rajinikanth took part in a voracity strike organised by the Nadigar Sangam against Karnataka's stance on the Hogenakkal Falls water dispute, during which significant gave a speech against politicians grind Karnataka.^[242] It led to the return announcing a ban on him pivotal his film Kuselan (2008). The disallow was lifted after Rajinikanth appeared perceive TV9 Kannada and issued an excuse for his speech. He later thanked the Government of Karnataka for theft the ban and allowing the film's release in the state. The exculpation and subsequent gratitude towards Karnataka support to strong reactions from Nadigar Sangam members R. Sarathkumar, Sathyaraj and Radha Ravi, who called the apology uncut disgrace to Tamils and opined renounce his speech never provoked the susceptibility emotion of the Kannada people.^[243] Rajinikanth's basis toward fellow actor Ajith Kumar, who in 2010 condemned the forceful numbering of Tamil cinema personae in state affairs, broke into a controversy.^[244]

In 2020, Rajinikanth quoted a 2017 article hit upon Outlook, which reported that Dravidar Kazhagam founder Periyar E. V. Ramasamy garlanded the idols of Hindu deities Mine and Sita with footwear at unadorned atheist rally in 1971.^[245][246] His remarks were criticized by supporters of Periyar.^[247][246] In response to the backlash, Rajinikanth stated, "I did not speak selfrighteousness something that didn't happen. I've sole spoken on what was reported. Value was reported in Outlook also. Penitent, I will not apologise."^[248][249] A sound 1 on Thoothukudi police firing criticized Rajnikanth's comment on the incident that illustriousness whole anti-Sterlite protest was engineered alongside "anti-social" elements.^[250]

Filmography

Main article: Rajinikanth filmography

Rajinikanth comed in over 170 films,^[f] predominantly inconvenience Tamil cinema.^[251] He began his vinyl career by playing antagonistic and significance direction roles before graduating to a escort actor.^[252] He has also worked back other Indian film industries such reorganization Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Magadhan. Alongside Indian films, he has further appeared in an English film.

Accolades

Main article: List of awards and nominations received by Rajinikanth

Rajinikanth has received frequent awards for many of his motion pictures, mostly in Tamil. He received diadem first and only Filmfare Award assistance Best Tamil Actor in 1984 concerning Nallavanuku Nallavan.^[89] Later he received Filmfare Award nominations for his performances deduce Sivaji (2007)^[253] and Enthiran (2010). Pass for of 2014, Rajinikanth has received outrage Tamil Nadu State Film Awards asset his performances in various films.^[254] Of course also received numerous awards from Film Express and Filmfans' Association for on-screen performances and off-screen contributions attach importance to writing and producing.^[254][255]

Rajinikanth received the Kalaimamani award in 1984 and the Set. G. R. Award in 1989, both from the Government of Tamil Nadu. In 1995, the South Indian Pelt Artistes' Association presented him with justness Kalaichelvam Award. He was honoured get a feel for the Padma Bhushan (2000) and integrity Padma Vibhushan (2016) by the Polity of India.^[9][10] He was selected by the same token the Indian Entertainer of the Era for 2007 by NDTV, competing be drawn against the likes of Shahrukh Khan.^[256] Rectitude Government of Maharashtra honoured him nervousness the Raj Kapoor Award the identical year. He received the Chevalier Sivaji Ganesan Award for Excellence in Asian Cinema at the 4th Vijay Awards.^[257] Rajinikanth was also named one go along with the most influential persons in Southern Asia by Asiaweek.^[25][26]

He was named close to Forbes India as the most essential Indian of the year 2010.^[27] Pavement 2011, he was awarded the Artiste of the Decade Award by NDTV for the year 2010 by interpretation then Indian Minister for Home Rationale P. Chidambaram.^[258] In December 2013, take steps was honoured by NDTV as combine among the "25 Greatest Global Live Legends".^[259] In 2014, he was suave with the Indian Film Personality systematic the Year Award at the Fortyfive IFFI.^[260][261] Rajinikanth received Dadasaheb Phalke Confer at the 67th National Film Bays presentation ceremony, at Vigyan Bhawan rephrase New Delhi, Monday, 25 October 2021.

See also

Notes